Buell S1 Lightning Workshop Manual page 117

REAR SHOCK PRELOAD
Rear shock spring preload must be adjusted before any other
adjustments can be attempted. This adjustment assures the
rear suspension has the proper amount of travel for the rider's
weight. This setting should be made before the motorcycle is
ridden any distance. Your Buell dealer can assist you with rear
shock spring preload settings.
Improper preload will adversely affect both the handling and
the ride of the motorcycle. Correct setting of preload will
result in a motorcycle that suits the rider's size and weight.
You will need three people to carry out this adjustment.
1. Verify correct front and rear tire pressure. See
CATIONS on page 2-1.
2. Remove all accessories from motorcycle including tank
bag and/or saddlebags.
3. Take the motorcycle off the side stand and bounce the
rear up and down a few times to be sure the suspension
is free and not binding.
4. See Figure 2-47. Measure the distance from the center
of the rear axle nut to the rear turn signal mounting bolt
without rider/passenger/cargo/accessories on the motor-
cycle.
5. Install items removed in Step 2. Load all cargo.
6. Bounce a few times on the seat to be sure the suspen-
sion is free and not binding.
7. With the help of an assistant, take the same measure-
ment with the vehicle fully loaded (rider/passenger/lug-
gage/cargo). The assistant should help balance the
motorcycle so the rider can keep both feet on the foot-
rests.
8. Subtract the second measurement from the first. The dif-
ference, which is the squat, should be 0.25-0.75 in. (6.4-
19.1 mm). If it is not, you will have to adjust the spring
preload.
1
CAUTION
Be sure to apply the same number of turns to each
mechanical preload adjusting nut to ensure that the
end plates do not become misaligned. Misaligned
end plates will cause the shock absorber spring to
bind against the adjustment rods.
Be sure the plates are parallel within 1/64 in. (0.4 mm).
Misaligned end plates will cause the shock absorber
spring to bind against the adjustment rods.
9. See Figure 2-48. Change the spring preload by adjusting
the mechanical preload adjusting nuts (metric) on the
rods that connect the end plates.
a. Increase the preload by tightening the nuts.
b. Decrease the preload by loosening the nuts.
SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS
SPECIFI-
5540
Figure 2-47. Checking Rear Preload
Figure 2-48. Adjusting Rear Preload
Rear turn signal
mounting bolt
Rear axle nut
Preload adjusting
nuts (metric)
2-39